Full Breakdown
Rams Draft Ty Simpson, Positioning Him as Matthew Stafford’s Successor
4/25/2026, 11:53:02 AM
The First-Round Selection
On April 24, 2026, the Los Angeles Rams used the No. 13 overall pick in the NFL Draft to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. The move was framed by the organization as a “draft-and-learn” strategy that secures a potential heir apparent for reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, who will enter his 38-year-old, 18th season with the Rams.
Context: Stafford’s MVP Year and the Rams’ Window
Stafford finished the 2025 season with 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns and a 109.2 passer rating, earning his first league MVP award. The Rams, coming off an NFC Championship appearance, view the 2026 season as a final Super Bowl window with Stafford as the starter and a need to protect that window by planning for his eventual retirement.
Principal Figures
- Ty Simpson – 23-year-old, Alabama’s full-time starter in 2025 (15 starts, 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs).
- Matthew Stafford – Veteran quarterback, MVP, contract through 2026.
- Sean McVay – Head coach, emphasized that the Rams remain “Matthew’s team.”
- Les Snead – General manager, described the pick as a collaborative decision made in “lockstep” with McVay.
- Kelly Stafford – Matthew’s wife, welcomed Simpson via Instagram DM.
Key Numbers
- Simpson’s 2025 passing: 3,567 yards, 28 TDs, 5 INTs; 67 % completion in the first nine games, 61 % thereafter.
- Stafford’s 2025 stats: 4,707 yards, 46 TDs, 8 INTs, 7.88 Y/A.
- The Rams entered the draft with two first-round picks (No. 13 and No. 29). The No. 29 pick was previously traded for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach McVay told reporters, “This is Matthew’s team,” and stressed that the selection does not threaten Stafford’s role. Snead reiterated that the front office and coaching staff are “in lockstep” on the decision and highlighted the need to “make the most of this time with Matthew.” Both emphasized that Simpson is intended to develop behind the veteran rather than replace him immediately.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts such as Colin Cowherd called the pick a “reach,” noting the Rams could have addressed more immediate needs like offensive line depth. ESPN’s Sarah Barshop questioned the wisdom of using a high first-round pick on a quarterback with only 15 collegiate starts, suggesting the move may compromise the team’s Super Bowl push.
On-the-Ground Reports
Simpson arrived in Los Angeles, received a text from safety Quentin Lake, and said he was “super ecstatic” to learn from Stafford. He described McVay as “having the juice” and expressed willingness to sit behind the veteran to absorb the system.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Simpson’s health profile: one list cites gastritis, elbow bursitis, lower-back issues and a cracked rib; another emphasizes weight loss and a sub-200-pound frame. The exact timeline of Stafford’s contract extension remains undisclosed, creating uncertainty about the length of the transition period.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't wait to talk to Matthew. I'm super ecstatic, because I just want to pick his brain about everything, soak up all that knowledge,” — Ty Simpson, rookie quarterback
- “He’s got the juice,” — Ty Simpson, describing Sean McVay
- “Matthew Stafford’s team.” — Sean McVay, head coach
- “I don't love Ty Simpson. Do I think it's a reach? Yeah, but you can't get Ty Simpson in the second or third round this year, and the Rams are going to be at the bottom of the first round next year,” — Colin Cowherd, analyst
What’s Next
Simpson will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role during training camp. The Rams expect Stafford to remain the starter for 2026 while evaluating Simpson’s development. Contract talks for Stafford continue, and the organization’s long-term success hinges on how quickly Simpson can transition from a learning role to a starting quarterback.
